Fashion Glossary

A

A-line - A dress or skirt that is narrower at the top and gradually
flares out to a wider hemline resembling the letter A. This style works well on
most figure types; good for disguising bottom heavy figures.

Acrylic - Synthetic manufactured fabric that is soft and wool-like.
Acrylic is usually found in winter garments such as sweaters and dresses.

Angel sleeves - Sleeves that are cut with lots of extra material
instead of being fitted to the arm, giving the appearance of wings. Length of the
sleeves can vary greatly.

Argyle - A diamond shaped plaid pattern on a fabric.

Appliqué - Fabric that has been cut and applied to another
fabric or garment in order to decorate the material. Most appliqués are sewn on
to the garment but may also be attached with an adhesive.

Asymmetric - A dress, top, or sweater with one shoulder strap or
sleeve. The other shoulder is bare. Hemlines are often diagonal.

B

Babydoll - A top or dress with an empire waist (directly under
the bust) and an A-line bodice. Can be short sleeved or sleeveless.

Bandeau - A band shaped strapless covering for the bust.

Batwing - Called a dolman sleeve. This style is cut very large
at the armhole and extends almost to the waist and then tapers at the wrist.

Bell sleeve - A long or three quarter length sleeve that flares
out at the hem.

Corduroy - A pile fabric with vertical ridges, usually made of
cotton.

Corset - A tight fitting top, often reinforced by stays, worn to
support and shape the waistline and bust.

Cowl neck - A neckline on a woman’s blouse or sweater that hangs
in draped folds.

Crochet - An open knit in which yarn is looped into a patterned
fabric.

D

Dart - A V-shaped tuck that is sewn into a garment in order to
shape the fabric so the garment fits the rounded part of the body. Most darts are
located around the bustline, waistline, or along the hipline.

Denim - A sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue, used for
jeans, overalls, and other clothing.

Dolman sleeve - Also called batwing. This style is cut very large
at the armhole and extends almost to the waist and then tapers at the wrist.

Double-breasted - Having one half of the front overlapping the
other, usually with a double row of buttons and a single row of buttonholes.

Draping - Hanging fabric in folds or covering the fabric in loose
folds. Hemlines are often uneven.

E

Embellished - Ornamentation of fabric by using a wide variety of
decorative pieces such as sequins, beads or decorative pieces.

Embroidery - Ornamentation of a fabric by using any wide variety
of decorative hand or machine stitches in the same or contrasting color with needlework.

Empire waist - Waist begins just below the bust which gives dresses
and tops a flattering fit. This outline is especially flattering to pear shapes
wishing to disguise the stomach area or emphasize the bust.

Eyelet - A type of embroidery with small holes that are cut in
the fabric.

F

Fabric content - The kinds of fibers represented in a particular
garment.

Faux leather - Imitation leather made of materials other than animal
skins. Faux leather is lighter and easier to clean than leather.

Fishtail - A style of skirt or blouse that is shorter in the front
than the back.

Fleur de lis - A stylized lily or iris that is used as a decorative
design.

Flounce hem - A strip of decorative fabric attached to one edge
to create a wide ruffle.

Funnel neck - A neckline that is high and wide. A funnel neckline
is attached to the body of the garment and not sewn to the neckline.

G

Garment washed - Apparel that has already been washed. The garment
is softer and has a worn-in look.

Georgette - A crinkled, sheer fabric that has a lightweight, flowing
look.

Gingham - A medium or lightweight, plaid or checked fabric using
more than two colors with a plain weave made of cotton.

Grosgrain - A strong, tightly woven corded fabric that has narrow,
horizontal ribs. Commonly used as a trim.

Gusset - A rectangular piece of fabric sewn into the crotch area
of shorts or pants to allow for a better fit where the center back and center front
seam meet the inside leg seam.

H

Halter - A dress or top that is tied around the neck, exposing
the back and shoulders. Also called halter neck.

Handkerchief hem - The hem of a skirt or blouse that is gently
jagged to form flowing points that resemble a scarf. This style works well on most
figures. Also called hanky hem.

Henley - A collarless top with a closure that stops midway down
the top.

Herringbone - A broken twill weave that is sewn in opposite directions
to form a zigzag pattern.

High low hem - A garment with an uneven hemline varying from long
to short.

Hook and eye closure - Fastening system on garments with a small
hook that is inserted into an eye loop.

Hounds tooth - A small broken check pattern woven into a fabric.

J

Jacquard - A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.

Jersey - A stretchy fine knitted fabric used in t-shirts, sportswear,
and figure hugging clothes. This fabric is great for draping.

Johnny collar - An open split neckline with a pointed collar.

Jumpsuit - A garment that incorporates a top and bottom in one
piece.

K

Keyhole neckline - A teardrop or round shaped cutout that fastens
at the front or back neckline.

Kimono sleeve - Cut as part of the bodice, a kimono sleeve has
a wide, sloping shape.

L

Legging - Tight form fitting pants. Sometimes referred to as tights.

Linen - Cloth woven from flax.

Lycra® - Lycra® is a trademark name for spandex.

M

Maxi - A skirt or dress with a long full length, usually to the
ankles.

Mesh - A knit, woven, or knotted fabric of net-like open texture.
Mesh is lightweight and breathable.

Metallic - A yarn or fiber made partially or entirely of metal
and having a metallic appearance.

Mini skirt - A skirt with a hemline well above the knees.

Mini dress - A dress with a hemline well above the knees.

Mitered - A striped pattern sewn into a "V" design that slenderizes
and flatters your figure.

N

Natural waist - A seam or waistband that secures or falls at the
natural curve of the body. The indentation between the hips and the ribcage.

Nylon - A synthetic fiber known for its strength and stain resilience.

O

Oversized - Enlarged garments that alter the natural shape of the
wearer.

Oxford heel - A low shoe laced over the instep.

P

Paillette - Small shiny disks, sequins, or spangles sewn on garments
as decorations.

Paisley - A swirled pattern curved with teardrop shapes.

Patch pockets - A small pocket found on pants or shorts which look
like a piece of material sewn on to resemble a patch.

Patent - A high gloss finish to leather and nylon.

Peacoat - A heavy coat which features a double breasted style and
notched collar which is generally a wool blend.

Peasant - A romantic style top or dress commonly distinguished
by a low neckline, ruffles, or free flowing material.

Peek-a-boo - A part of a garment that has been cut out to reveal
skin.

Peep toe - A shoe style where the front section is cut away to
reveal the toes.

Pencil skirt - A skirt that is cut in a straight line from the
hips to the hem and usually knee length. Can either taper in at the hem or fall
straight down from the hip.

Peplum - A short full flounce or an extension of a garment below
the waist, covering the hips.

Piping - A fabric trim stitched along the seams or edges of a garment.
Trim color can be the same color as the garment or in a contrasting color.

Placket - An opening or slit in a blouse, skirt, or dress usually
covering fastenings that facilitates putting it on or taking it off. A piece of
cloth reinforcing the opening used for closure of a garment.

Pleat - A type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself
and securing it in place.

Pointelle - A stitch that creates a tiny, open-worked pattern that
adds a lightweight, delicate texture to clothing.

Polo shirt - A short sleeved pullover with a small, flat collar.

Poncho - A circular piece of fabric with a hole cut out for the
head, usually worn as a cape or jacket. Commonly they are knitted and have tassels.

Popcorn stitch - A stitch formed by making one stitch into for,
forming a nicely rounded compact oval that stands out from the fabric. Popcorn stitches
add texture to garments.